Kris Boyd makes stunning Celtic claim after Scottish Cup exit

It is without question that being knocked out the Scottish Cup at the hands of the Rangers was a massive blow for Celtic. Many fans would have been hoping that the club could pull off another treble, their fifth in six years, and would have been very confident of their chances as well, having won the previous two Glasgow Derbies, 3-0 at Parkhead and 2-1 at Ibrox. But on this occasion, it ended up being a 1-2 defeat for the Hoops.

Celtic had led till the 78th minute of the game and had even hit the post before the Rangers equalised. And while questions will be raised about Bobby Madden’s refereeing on the day, one has to admit that the performance from the Hoops did not warrant a win.

They looked uninspired and tired, which was a huge surprise since they were the ones coming off of a week’s rest while the Rangers had played 120 minutes against SC Braga in midweek.

Despite the terrible performance from Ange Postecoglou’s side on the day, Kris Boyd has backed Celtic to clinch the Premiership title, which is a bit of a surprise coming from the former Rangers star to say the least. As reported by The Herald, he told Sky Sports:

"“A lot of people will say that because Rangers have beaten Celtic it will have an impact in the league.“I am not buying into it.“Rangers’ troubles in the league started just after Christmas time, after the festive period, and you have to say a lot of credit had to go to Celtic for the way they have been able to turn it around.“They didn’t start the season very well but they have been able to find a way.“A lot of credit needs to go to the manager. He did have his troubles at the start, getting players in and getting people to buy into exactly what he wanted to do.“But since he has been able to bring in his own players and allow Celtic to go and perform the way they have, they have been excellent in the league, there is no getting away from it, excellent.“They are six points clear, you could argue seven because of their goal difference.“I don’t think Rangers will get back into it in the league, it is too big an ask.”"

Could Celtic slip up in the Premiership title race?

As things stand, Celtic are leading the Rangers by six points with just five more league games to go. There is still one more Glasgow Derby to be played though, and the result on that day could prove to be very vital.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have been handed a massive second wind, having booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals and beaten Celtic within the space of a few days.

But, at this point of time, one has to say that the Hoops look like the favourites to lift the Premiership title from here on. Just three wins from the last five might prove to be enough for them.

One has to wait and see though what impact the Scottish semi-final exit has on this team, and how they respond to this disappointment. The title race is far from over.